The Survival of the Wild Tribe

84

Lu Zhan hurriedly left with Heifu, knowing this wasn't the best place to talk, especially with beasts prowling outside, not just wolves.

Luo Zhen swung the door open and addressed the Shanjia tribe directly: "Are you willing to join our Sun tribe? If you do, we'll embrace you as our own clan. Your men and orc warriors can freely marry without coercion. Your ordinary folks can wield weapons and hold power just like ours. In the future, in hunting or combat, ordinary folks won't lag behind ordinary warriors. You'll be able to defend yourselves, your families, and your tribe with your own strength."

The Shanjia tribe, still rattled by Heifu's news of the fierce beast, was stunned by Luo Zhen's words. Their initial reaction was disbelief, except for Shansong and the other two fighters who grasped the concept of ordinary people's potential strength from their recent encounter with the wolves. After all, they had never witnessed ordinary folks bravely facing a wolf pack or even hunting wild wolves with their bare hands.

"Don't you require us to be your partners?" murmured Shan Song, echoing his question.

"Yes," affirmed Luo Zhen with a nod. Their tribe wasn't large, and even if the Shanjia tribe were coerced into becoming partners, they wouldn't find enough matches. Unlike other tribes, the Panthers adhered to a one-to-one partner system, a lifelong commitment.

Before arriving, Luo Zhen had learned about the issues tribes must consider when joining and what warriors are most concerned about. Chief among them was the warriors' reluctance to yield potential partners. This sentiment also reflected a deeper desire for genuine mutual relationships and true descendants.

In this world, reproduction remained a paramount concern for every tribe.

"Now there's no time for further contemplation. Our tribe's warriors have already relayed the news. I believe you're more acquainted than us with the beasts lurking nearby. Even our warriors find them challenging to handle."

Luo Zhen paused before continuing, "Presently, you have two options: either join our tribe and depart with us, or your Shanjia clan will remain here."

"Will Shanqi be saved if we leave with you?" the middle-aged woman inquired loudly.

Luo Zhen fell silent for a moment. "I can't guarantee his survival, but I pledge to do everything in my power to save him."

The middle-aged woman's numb and bewildered expression instantly brightened with hope, yet she recognized that joining the tribe was not a decision she could make alone. She glanced at Shanichi and Shansong, her intent clear: If she chose to join the Riyao tribe, even with the risk of Shanqi's death, as a mother, she couldn't abandon hope entirely.

"It's up to you," Shanyi said, patting Shansong's shoulder and passing the decision to him. He was old, and the responsibility rested with the young fighters. Regardless of Shansong's decision, Shanichi would support him. His gaze softened as he looked at Shan Qi lying on the ground. If possible, he too wished for Shan Qi's survival.

Luo Zhen patiently awaited their responses.

Shansong surveyed all the tribesmen present, sensing their anxious gazes. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "All Shanjia tribesmen here are willing to join the Riyao tribe and become its members," he declared. As the words left his lips, a weight lifted from Shansong's heart. The tribe would rely on them in the future, relieving their warriors from the burden of providing support, and the tribes would no longer suffer hunger.

"Have you made a decision?" Luo Zhen glanced around at the others. "Do any of you have any objections to Shansong's decision?"

"Well, we're all willing to join the Riyao tribe," Shan Yi replied, lifting the water sac and taking a sip. The cool water flowed down his throat, sending a shock through him as if the winter mist that had lingered for so long instantly dissipated.